Spotlight on San Rafael: The Glorious Greens of Peacock Gap
Great connectivity makes San Rafael a popular location for people who want to enjoy the Marin lifestyle, whilst working in San Francisco or the East Bay. It sits on the 101 freeway that connects Marin with SF to the South, and Interstate 580, which carries commuters to and from the East Bay, over the Richmond-San Rafael bridge. The city is made up of many wonderful neighborhoods, which I’ll profile in the coming months, along with those from other North Bay cities. First on the list? Peacock Gap, where residence meets recreation, in the shape of the Peacock Gap golf course, and the equally distinctive China Camp State Park and nearby McNears Beach Park.
In addition to offering golf on your doorstep, Peacock Gap Golf Club is home to the Range Cafe, which they bill as “Marin County’s finest neighborhood grill” and the course Clubhouse, which hosts weddings and other events.
There’s also plenty of local flavor at the appropriately-named Andy’s Local Market, a quality local grocery store that’s a centerpiece of the Loch Lomond Marina. Andy’s is a great place to pick up gourmet treats, deli sandwiches and their famous take-and-bake pizzas, any day of the week. The Marina itself has a friendly, neighbors and locals vibe, being home to the recreational boats of many a North Bay sailor. You’ll also find The Strand at the Marina. A recently constructed collection of luxury homes on the Marina waterfront, the Strand epitomizes the way Marin lifestyle can feel both modern and timeless. If “waterfront view” is on your wishlist, you owe it to yourself to explore this area.
In addition to North Bay boat lovers and golfers, hikers and mountain bikers should feel very at home in the Gap. which enjoys balmy Marin weather. China Camp (which was once home to a Chinese shrimp-fishing village) features wildlife habitats, horse-bike riding, swimming and boating.
You can learn more about China Camp from the Friends of China Camp and the official State Parks site. An active Homeowners Association should give you a flavor of life as a Peacock Gap resident, while it’s worth noting that local Glenwood Elementary is well-reviewed by parents who value the opportunity to be involved in their children’s education.
Home prices in this neighborhood, inevitably, reflect the quality of life that’s available. But for those that dream of lagoon living, this is the kind of perfect neighborhood to make owning your own backyard pier a reality. Likewise, if you’ve dreamed of living close to the golf links, it might be time to take a look at homes in the golf-loving Gap.
Check in again soon, as I spotlight more North Bay neighborhoods that reflect the wonderful lifestyle of our region.
Photo Credit for Glorious Greens of Peacock Gap Photo: Peacock Gap Golf Club
